Not all of the Indianapolis Colts free agents need to leave.
First, here is the list of the impending unrestricted free agents for the Colts this offseason.
#Colts 2020 unrestricted free agents:
Anthony Castonzo
Adam Vinatieri
Jabaal Sheard
Eric Ebron
Clayton Geathers
Joe Haeg
Le’Raven Clark
Devin Funchess
Dontrelle Inman
Ross TravisPersonally, I only see Castonzo coming back off this list. Lots of roster changes incoming.
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) December 24, 2019
When looking at the list, the following three players should be resigned by the franchise.
No. 3: Jabaal Sheard-Defensive End
Since coming over to the Colts in 2017, Sheard has had his moments.
Sheard recorded 15.5 sacks in the last three seasons.
He has shown durability as well, missing just three games last season due to a knee injury.
#FreeAgentFridays
Jabaal Sheard
2020 Season Age: 31
3 Years W/ #Colts
45 Games
127 Tackles, 36 QB Hits, 28 TFLs, 15.5 Sacks, 9 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR pic.twitter.com/dYO5Fmv94q— Peyton2Luck 🏈 (@Peyton2L) March 6, 2020
What makes Sheard appealing is his versatility.
When Sheard played in the Colts’ 3-4 scheme in 2017, he recorded 5.5 sacks and 52 tackles as a linebacker.
After the 2017 season, the Colts fired Chuck Pagano and hired Frank Reich, who switched to a 4-3 defense.
In the 4-3 scheme, Sheard moved back to defensive end, and recorded 5.5 sacks in 2018 and 4.5 sacks in 2019.
That also included tackle marks of 50 and 45 respectively.
Sheard is now 30-years old, and coming off a season that featured a knee injury.
For general managers everywhere, including GM Chris Ballard, that is a black eye.
However, the Colts are lacking veterans on the team, so signing Sheard to a two-year deal would be a best-case for both sides.
No. 2: Eric Ebron-Tight End
Ebron is already gaining traction as a target for the New Orleans Saints, but he should get plenty of love in Indy.
In 2018, Ebron was a Pro Bowl tight end that recorded 13 touchdown receptions and 750 yards receiving.
Ebron only played in eight games last season with an ankle injury and still finished with 31 receptions for 375 yards.
Free Agent Profile: Eric Ebron (TE)
Age: 26 H: 6′-4″ W: 253 Spd: 4.60
Exp: 6 Years – 1st Round (10) Pick 2014Career Stats:
80 Games, 283 Receptions, 3,195 Yards, 27 TD’sBig, versatile playmaker with a lower price & high return. Had a career year in ’18, but regressed in ’19 pic.twitter.com/00EbChqZ1V
— Offseason Champions (@HTTRChamps) January 27, 2020
His injury last season hurt his stock, but he should be brought back.
The combination of Jack Doyle and Ebron is a deadly weapon in any red zone.
With uncertainty at quarterback, the Colts need all the help they can get.
No. 1: Anthony Costanzo-Offensive Tackle
For now, this already appears to be a lock.
March 18th is when NFL free agency begins, but it has been reported that Costanzo will return in a Colts uniform.
Anthony Castonzo informs Colts he’s playing https://t.co/B1Uilzz8U9
— Rotoworld Football (@Rotoworld_FB) February 25, 2020
Castonzo is coming off a career-season in which he was named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
According to Pro Football Focus, the soon to be 32-year old was the 7th-best tackle in the league.
That included a career-low 2 penalties in 1,077 snaps for the Colts.
Castonzo could easily push to be a top-5 tackle in the league and is a well-respected leader in the locker room.
This is an easy decision to keep him in Indy.
NEXT: Jacoby Brissett On Colts Future: "I'm Just Doin My Job."Anthony Castonzo has been such a joy to watch this season. Absolutely deserved the Pro Bowl Alternate nod he got the other day. This is textbook on how to handle a speedy, twitchy pass rusher in Harold Landry. Stands him up on the bend and stops his momentum easily pic.twitter.com/jxYZ6QHx4u
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) December 18, 2019